Tired of bumping against your credit limit? High-limit credit cards can help solve that problem.
Starting at an average credit limit of $5,000 or more, these cards give you the runway you need to handle all your spending needs. Plus, many offer valuable rewards and perks that make them worth a second look.
Let's check out some popular options to help you choose the best high-limit credit card for your wallet.
What Are High-Limit Credit Cards?
If you’re ready for some financial breathing room, credit cards with high limits pack more spending power than your card. These credit lines start at an average credit limit of $5,000 and can reach $10,000 or more. Plus, they usually offer better rewards than standard cards.
Credit card issuers decide credit limits by looking at the basics: your income, credit score, and track record with other cards. Most credit card issuers want to see a good credit score (670 or higher) before rolling out their highest credit lines.
But whether your credit limit is $5,000 or $50,000, smart spending habits matter. Credit card issuers pay attention to how you handle your current credit before offering a limit increase. The more responsibly you use your card, the more likely you are to access higher credit limits. That's why someone you know might get a different limit than you on the exact same card.
5 Best High-Limit Credit Cards
Let's look at some of the best high-limit credit cards out there. We'll start with a quick comparison, then dive into what makes each one special.
An Overview of the Best High-Limit Credit Cards
Card Name | Credit Score Required | Annual Fee | APR |
Chase Sapphire Reserve® | 740 to 850 | $550 | 21.74% to 28.74% |
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | 670 to 850 | $95 | 20.74% to 27.74% |
The Platinum Card® from American Express | 670 to 850 | $695 | 20.24% to 28.24% |
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card | 670 to 850 | $650 | 19.99% to 28.99% |
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card | 670 to 850 | $150 | 19.99% to 28.99% |
The Best High-Limit Credit Cards in Depth
1. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Credit score required: 740-850
APR: 21.74–28.74%
Looking to go big? The
Sapphire Reserve starts cardholders with a maximum credit card limit of $10,000 that can be
increased over time. The $550 annual fee might make you pause, but check out what you get: a $300 annual travel credit, free complimentary lounge access, and some of the best travel rewards around. Plus, those rewards are worth 50% more when you redeem them through Chase.
2. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Credit score required: 670-850
APR: 20.74–27.74%
This card is like the Reserve card's younger sibling. Chase starts
Sapphire Preferred cardholders with at least a $5,000 credit limit. With a much friendlier $95 annual fee, you still get some solid travel perks and flexible rewards. And like its bigger sibling, points are worth more when redeemed through Chase.
3. The Platinum Card® from American Express
Credit score required: 670-850
APR: 20.24–28.24%
Here's something different: instead of just a fixed credit limit, the American Express
Platinum Card offers flexible spending power that adjusts based on your use. At $695, the annual fee is hefty, but the perks are impressive, including Lufthansa airport lounge access and a $200 hotel credit.
4. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Credit score required: 670-850
APR: 19.99–28.99%
Want VIP treatment when you fly? The
Delta SkyMiles Reserve card packs some serious perks for frequent Delta travelers. The $650 annual fee is steep, but you get complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs when you fly Delta and a yearly Companion Certificate to bring a friend for minimal fees on a domestic round-trip flight when you renew your card. Plus, you’ll unlock 80,000 bonus miles if you spend $10,000 during your first six months.
5. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Credit score required: 670-850
APR: 19.99–28.99%
If you’re looking for hotel rewards, the
Hilton Surpass card comes with automatic Gold status in Hilton's loyalty program. The $150 annual fee is pretty reasonable given what you get: 12X points at Hilton properties, 6X points at U.S. restaurants and supermarkets, plus a Free Night Reward when you spend $15,000 in a calendar year. You'll also get up to $200 back annually on eligible Hilton purchases, which can help offset the annual fee.
Advantages of High-Limit Credit Cards
Why go for a high credit limit? Let's talk perks — beyond being able to spend more or access airport lounges.
Improved Credit Score
First up: Your credit score can get a nice boost through something called your
credit utilization ratio. It might sound like a fancy term, but your credit utilization ratio is just how much of your available credit you're using.
For example, if you have a $10,000 credit limit and regularly spend $2,000, your ratio is about 20%. Keeping your credit utilization ratio under 30% helps keep your credit score in tip-top shape.
Financial Flexibility
High-limit credit cards also give you more freedom to handle large purchases or unexpected expenses. Instead of taking on high-interest debt from a personal loan or splitting purchases across multiple cards, you can handle bigger expenses on a single card. Plus, many high-limit cards come with 0% APR intro periods, giving you time to
pay off large purchases without racking up interest.
More Rewards
Higher credit limits mean higher potential to earn points or
cash back. While these cards often carry annual fees, many cardholders find the rewards and perks more than make up for the cost.
Less Stress
Here's a final perk: You'll experience less stress about
hitting your limit. No more awkward declined transactions or constant balance checking because you've got the available credit you need for your regular spending.
How To Qualify for a High-Limit Credit Card
Looking to boost your chances of getting approved for a high-limit credit card? Let's break down how to get a high-limit credit card and what credit card issuers are looking for:
First,
your credit score matters — a lot. Most credit card issuers for premium cards with high credit limits want to see scores of 670 or higher, with some premium cards requiring 740+ (like the Chase Sapphire Reserve®). But that's just the start.
Income also plays a role. Proof of a higher income can mean higher credit card limits, so be sure to include all eligible income on your application. This means not just your salary, but also investment income, side gig earnings, or household income if you're over 21.
If you’re carrying debt, consider paying some down before applying. Lower debt levels and credit utilization make you look less risky to issuers. Many cardholders use balance transfers to consolidate and reduce their debt first.
Banks also might offer better credit card limits to existing customers with solid payment histories. If you can apply for cards through your bank or from a credit card issuer you already have a relationship with, you might get a higher limit.
Tips for Managing High-Limit Credit Cards
A higher credit card limit means more spending power — and more
responsibility. Here's how successful cardholders keep their finances on track.
Set Clear Boundaries. Just because you can spend $10,000 doesn't mean you should. Create a budget and stick to it, treating your credit card limit like a safety net rather than a spending target.
Watch Your Interest Rates. Pay close attention to your APR. High-limit credit cards often come with higher interest rates, and carrying that debt gets expensive fast. Aim to pay your balance in full each month. If you need to make a large purchase, look for cards that offer 0% intro APR periods or consider a balance transfer to manage costs.
Monitor Your Credit Usage. Keep an eye on your credit utilization. Even with a higher limit, it's smart to keep your balance below 30% of your available credit. This protects your credit score and keeps you from falling into debt.
Set Up Alerts. Many issuers let you track spending and get notifications when you're approaching certain thresholds of your credit card limit. This extra awareness helps prevent surprise bills at the end of the month.
Alternatives To High-Limit Credit Cards
Not quite ready for a high-limit credit card? That's okay — you've got other options. Here are some
smart alternatives that can help you meet your spending needs.
Secured Credit Cards
If you have limited credit, consider starting with a secured credit card. With these cards, your credit limit matches your security deposit. While limits start lower, many credit card issuers give you a credit line increase after several months of on-time payments. Plus, you'll build your credit score along the way.
Multiple Card Strategy
Instead of one high-limit card, consider using
a few cards with moderate credit limits. This gives you similar total available credit, and you might even maximize rewards by using different cards for different spending categories.
Just watch that APR. Carrying debt across multiple cards can be expensive.
Balance Transfer Cards
It’s common for cards to offer 0% APR on balance transfers for a year or more. While they might not have the highest limits, they can help you manage debt more effectively and dodge some interest. Remember to factor in balance transfer fees when doing the math on whether this is a better option for you.
Personal Loans
For large, planned expenses, a personal loan might work better than a high-limit credit card. You'll get a fixed APR and predictable monthly payments. Unlike credit cards, you can't reuse the credit line, but that might actually help you stick to your budget.
Build Financially Confidence With EarnIn
High-limit credit cards can offer flexibility and benefits, but managing spending is key to staying on track. With EarnIn’s
Balance Shield, you can stay informed about your account activity, help avoid overdrafts, and ensure you’re in control of your finances.
Plus, by exploring EarnIn’s
Credit Monitoring, you can keep an eye on your credit health while staying financially empowered. Whether it’s covering unexpected expenses or maintaining peace of mind,
EarnIn’s financial tools help you make the most of your money.
